TBT: My first visit to St. Mikes

Working in Admissions and giving tours all summer has made me think back to when I was visiting colleges the summer before my senior year of high school. My mom and I did a lot of research about schools that fit my criteria: small, liberal arts, strong academics. I didn't have a major decided at the time, so I was trying to look for a school that had everything else. St. Mike's was actually a last minute addition to our visit, I was going to Vermont to visit another school anyways, so it made sense to stop by.
On my way to Vermont, the airline I took managed to leave my bag in San Francisco so after flying for 7 hours, I lacked all my clothes and toiletries. Luckily, my mom and I could share clothes and I was able to put together some outfits for the two days I would be without my luggage. That morning, I visited the other school, which was nice, but I quickly learned that it didn't appeal to me. It was way too small (800 students. Total.) and I had a great tour guide, but saw that I couldn't see myself there. After, we hopped in a car and drove about 2 hours to St. Mikes and were able to pick up my luggage on the way after having to deal with rude attendants. But finally, after all that I made it to St. Mikes.
When I stepped into the Hoehl Welcome Center, I remember that there were a few other families there and I put down my luggage behind where we have the coffee machine. Then before I knew it, Jeremy came over and introduced himself and lead me to an interview room with Aislinn, who was at the time shadowing interviews. After talking with Jeremy, discussing what I wanted in a school, and whipping out my binder full of questions I had for each school (it was my turn to interview them, this is not a one way street!) Jeremy said that I was the perfect student for St. Mikes. Then I thought it was just a compliment, but now I see how much truth that statement held.
Once I had finished the interview and informational session, I went on a tour of campus. Lucky for me, it had rained when I was in the interview and we were afraid it was going to rain again, so I got to sport the lovely St. Mike's poncho. Even though I had a rough first few days in Vermont, when I got to St. Mikes, everything fell into place. The campus was beautiful, the people were friendly, and most importantly, they could see me here as much as I could. I knew St. Mikes was one of my top schools then and there. I later applied and was accepted. St. Mike's was my first admitance letter and, I'm not going to lie, I cried when I saw it. I was washing my car, ran inside when my mom told me it came, cried, and went back to washing my car. It was perfect.

My first tour in the lovely poncho

Summer Adventures in Vermont: Camping

This past weekend, Paul and I decided to take advantage of his free campground pass (from his internship in the Vermont State Parks) and go camping! Truth be told, I have only been camping once before. I believe it was in the 3rd grade with my family. But I remember really enjoying it and I was excited to try camping here in Vermont.
We visited Silver Lake in Barnard Vermont, which is close to Woodstock. At the park, there was also a beach, playground, and concessions stand. We lucked out with the weather and had a beautiful weekend of camping. Though Paul and I had never set up tents in the past, we decided it would be easy and didn't read the instructions. We managed to get the tent up, but had one pole left that we could not figure out where it went. Reluctantly, we looked at the instructions and found it went in the rain guard on the top of the tent. After that, we unrolled the sleeping bags and called it home sweet home.

The Tent! (and the gigantic trees!)

Paul taking photos around the campsite

Once the set up was finished, we headed to the beach so Paul could take more photos and so that we could swim in the water and enjoy the weather. After setting up our beach chairs and lounging for a bit, we headed to the dock to take the plunge. Kids were swimming and jumping in, but I wasn't convinced that it was going to be pleasant. To quote a girl there "It's 5 billion degrees in the water!". So Paul and I jumped in, only to find that it was 5 billion degrees...below zero. It quickly woke us up, but that was enough swimming for me.

Paul and I after jumping in

 

Paul with all his photography and beach gear

We then cleaned up and went to Simon Pearce restaurant, which was amazing and absolutely beautiful! And while walking back to the car after a filling meal, we stumbled upon two hot air balloons about to take off! So naturally we stuck around to watch.

What we first saw, I wasn't sure if they were just landing or taking off

The crew, and check out that fire!

The takeoff!

I had never been so close to hot air balloons before, it was crazy! After watching them sail away, we went to the camp site to forrage for wood and build a fire.

Paul chopping the wood with an ax

Enjoying the fire

A great end to a wonderful day

 I loved camping, and if you get the chance to go out on your own to explore Vermont or with the Wilderness Program here at St. Mikes, I highly suggest taking that opportunity. How many more will you get to try something totally cool in Vermont?

 

St. Mikes Summer Playhouse!

You may think that campus during the summer would be boring and quiet. Though it is a bit quieter, you are wrong! There is so much going on here, internships, summer research, and the St. Michael's Playhouse. The playhouse brings in professional actors, directors, and designers from Broadway and off-Broadway shows to work with the St. Mike's students (either on stage or off stage) to produce four shows during the summer. This year, they are doing Young Frankenstein, The Fox on the Fairway, Arsenic and Old Lace and Ring of Fire. Tonight is the opening night for Young Frankenstein, and I was lucky enough to score tickets from my friend who is interning there.
The show was absolutely amazing!! I had never seen it before but was laughing constantly and enjoying every second. It was such a great show, if you get the chance to visit and see it, I would highly recommend it.
During the school year, since the Playhouse isn't going on, we still do many performances. There is one main stage performance every semester, but the Drama Club also does a bunch of musicals, plays, and one act shows throughout the year that you can get involved with. My first year, I did Ruthless: The Musical with the drama club. It was so much fun! I got to meet people who were in all different majors but just loved to participate in theatre. I got to play the somewhat crazy teacher, Ms. Thorn and even got a solo song!

The Cast and Crew of Ruthless

Getting my costume fitted

Shannon (the student director) and I

There are also a variety of classes that you can take with the Drama department to complete your liberal arts required art class. My first year, I took "Singing for the Actor" but this past semester I was a "model" for my friend Erin for her costume crafts class.

The Costume Crafts Class Spring 2014 (plus a few models)

So if you have an interest in theatre, there are plenty of options to get involved, whether you just want to do a show or two, be a part of the drama club, or be a theatre minor or major. The possibilities are endless.

Sunday Funday!

One of the best parts about the summer is that the weather in Vermont is absolutely beautiful! On campus, all the flowers are in full bloom, the grass is green, and the gardens by Klein are in great shape (especially after the long winter we just had!) Staying on campus over the summer is great because I get to enjoy having the ease of living on campus like I normally would during the year, but the weather is almost always perfect! Plus, once work is done for the day, I don't have to worry about doing homework, I just have free time to spend with friends going on adventures!
Yesterday, my friends and I decided to take advantage of the new sunny weather (after a week of rain) and headed to the beach. We went to North Beach, which is just north of the downtown Burlington area. The sand is soft and the water is currently freezing but it is still fun to lounge on the beach and listen to music.

The Gang in the car going to the beach

L to R: Lily, Kristyn, Nate, Michelle and I
 

Kristyn and Lily walking along the beach, you can see downtown Burlington in the distance

Laying on the beach looking towards Red Rocks, where you can go cliff diving

Going to the beach was the perfect end to the weekend. North Beach has a student discount for parking and a $25 summer long parking pass, so my friends and plan on splitting it, since we're all going to be going together anyways! If you are coming during the summer or even at the beginning of the school year, it is worth it to spend a relaxing day laying on the beach and hopefully swimming in the water when it warms up a bit!

Summer Sunsets

Burlington is not only a great place to hang out during the day. At night, Church street is lit up with lights and lanterns, restaurants will have all their seating outside, and people are always walking up and down, shopping, eating and just enjoying the beautiful weather. It's always fun to catch the bus with your friends and go grab dinner, see a movie, or go to a performance at the Flynn. I'm always surprised at how many activities Burlington has to offer!
Last week, Paul came up to visit so we went out to dinner on Church Street and then headed over to Battery Street, which is the street that runs parallel to Lake Champlain. Up on top of the hill, there is a park and walking path, so we got to embrace our inner child and go on the swings at the playground they have up there. Then, we took a walk along the path that has some of the most spectacular views of Lake Champlain and the mountains in New York.

The lookout spot

 

Paul taking photos

And another photo of Paul taking a photo

Paul is really good at photography and has an internship with the Vermont parks and campgrounds, so this summer he gets to go for free and take pictures for them. If you want to see the photos he took here and will be taking over the summer, check out Paul's Flickr. My favorite photo from when we took this walk is looking at the sunset through the trees, so make sure to check it out!

Watching the sunset over Lake Champlain is a must see while you are either visiting or attending St. Mikes. The colors over the mountains are simply amazing and you're going to want to bring your camera for that one!

Summer Saturdays at the Farmers Market

After finals ended, I went home for a couple weeks and then jumped right back on a plane to St. Mikes! This summer, I will be staying in the Burlington area working in our very own Admissions office as one of the interns. I couldn't be more happy, all the people are so nice and I get to give tours every day! Plus, summers in Burlington are always full of fun activities: concerts, festivals, etc. One of my favorite activities is going to the farmers market in the park off of Church street as often as I can!
The farmers market is open from about 8 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon, so I often jump on the bus and head down (since parking can be crazy and expensive and the bus is free for St. Mikes!) and I'll grab lunch with friends. They always have music going and so many kids and dogs! I always miss my dogs from home, but being able to pet 20+ on Church street and at the Farmers Market every Saturday fills that void.

A panorama of the market and music

Paul and I at the market

The fountain people cool off by

And dogs too!

The market is right behind City Hall

It's great because I always bump into people I know or work with who are up in Burlington for the summer. There are so many different types of food and local specialties (the maple lemonade is amazing!) and I love trying out new things every time I go. If anyone comes up to visit St. Mike's over the summer, I highly suggest swinging by the Farmers Market before you leave!